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1. Houston Texans – David Carr – QB – Fresno State
This choice was anti-climatic, because the Texans signed Carr about a week before the draft. But, after executing an expansion draft plan to begin the team’s existence with a solid, veteran offensive line that would be able to protect a developing quarterback, there really was little choice for Houston. Not a scrambler, but mobile enough to move when the pocket moves, Carr makes his living with his above average decision making ability and his strong arm.
Much has been said in the days and weeks leading up to the draft about how Carr’s tendency to drop down and throw from the side may hamper him in the NFL. It shouldn’t matter much as players were coached to swat at his throws all season with no noticeable increase the amount of tips.
He’s a superstar in waiting.
2. Carolina Panthers – Julius Peppers – DE – North Carolina
A guy with a truckload of potential stays in his home state to play for a rebuilding team that is going to lean heavily on its new coach and his high-powered defense. While it sounds like a perfect fit, I question Peppers motor and whether he is one of those players who gets bored with dominating every two or three years and needs to try something new.
Still, with John Fox knowing the value of a big-play defensive end in his defense, it would’ve been hard to go with Joey Harrington.
3. Detroit Lions – Harrington – QB – Oregon
Harrington decided that rather than attend the draft in New York City, he would stay home in Oregon to watch it with his family instead. Had he known that the Lions were going to take him third, he might’ve booked himself a flight to Nepal after getting a fake passport and ID. His big game abilities and footwork are impeccable. With the Lions, he’ll need both.
4. Buffalo Bills – Mike Williams – OT – Texas
I’m in love with this kid. He mixes the intense style of a defensive lineman with the technique of a polished tackle. There are so many good things to write about it’s hard to choose. He has such solid footwork that it’s impossible to beat him to the outside, and he is a great finisher heading downfield to find another body.
5. San Diego Chargers – Quentin Jammer – CB – Texas
Wow, if Texas had this many good players, why did they suck so badly down the stretch? Jammer is the real deal, and certainly fills a need for San Diego. Last season they were really extended by teams with deep threats. He has long arms and is very good at tying up receivers. He is also the biggest hitter among the corners available.
6. Kansas City Chiefs – Ryan Sims – DT – North Carolina
A better choice than Peppers, Sims is all about hustle and hard work. A 320+ pound monster, Sims has the ability to run strong up field through the double team something he’ll get plenty of in Kansas City.
7. Minnesota Vikings – Bryant McKinnie – LT – Miami
A 6’8″ 343-pound left tackle, McKinnie is a much more polished pass blocker that Williams. That really comes from the style of offense that he played at Miami, where against some of the best Division I opposition available, he didn’t allow a sack. Period.
8. Dallas Cowboys – Roy Williams – S – Oklahoma
Every year at draft time, some analyst steps up to the microphone and tabs some defensive back that likes to hit as “the next Ronnie Lott.” This year, I’m that analyst. With Darren Woodson already in place, the Cowboys now have arguably the hardest hitting deep secondary in the NFL.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars – John Henderson – DT – Tennessee
Henderson was constantly producing throughout his college career. His actual production, more than his long term potential, is why Tom Coughlin made this pick. As a defensive-line coach, you either want someone who can shoot his gaps or someone who can occupy his man.
Henderson is suited to both.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Levi Jones – LT – ASU
No wonder Drew Bledsoe didn’t want to approve the deal that would’ve sent him to Cincy, they have no idea what they’re doing. Jones is a good player and certainly a first or second round pick. But this is certainly a mysterious pick for the Bengals, who already have Richmond Webb and Willie Anderson at the tackle spot.
David Klingler anyone?
Best Drafts – Dallas and Oakland
Dallas – Add giant guard Andre Gurode from Colorado and wide receiver Antonio Bryant to Roy Williams and you have three players who can come in and start for you from day one. The amazing thing is that Jerry Jones was at the helm for such a gem. They must’ve chosen a Quincy Carter in there somewhere.
Oakland – Using all the choices garnered in the John Gruden deal, the Raiders really shore up a pair of problem spots on their defense. Philip Buchanan and Charles Woodson will form one of the best young corner back tandems in the league.
